Mag-Probe Testing an Inductive Proximity Switch

Mag-Probe Testing an Inductive Proximity Switch on a Boeing 737-300 Aircraft Landing Gear

A basic inductive proximity switch has virtually become a commodity. Over the last 15 years its price has dropped from about $100/device to less than $15 (see Figure 1). This cost reduction has been driven by the evolution of sensor technology and …

It senses the down and locked Position of the landing gear which is critical to the safe landing of the aircraft.

Inductive Sensor – Wikipedia

A proximity(inductive) sensor is an electronic proximity sensor, which detects metallic objects without touching them.

The sensor consists of an induction loop. Electric current generates a magnetic field, which collapses generating a current that falls asymptotically toward zero from its initial trans when the input electricity ceases. The inductance of the loop changes according to the material inside it and since metals are much more effective inductors than other materials the presence of metal increases the current flowing through the loop. This change can be detected by sensing circuitry, which can signal to some other device whenever metal is detected. .

Common applications of inductive sensors include metal detectors, traffic lights, car washes, and a host of automated industrial processes. Because the sensor does not require physical contact it is particularly useful for applications where access presents challenges or where dirt is prevalent…. read more….

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Bob Bartol has spent his whole life working with electronics in almost every capacity and spent many hours in Physics classes. He currently holds 4 U.S. patents and has been making a living off one of the patents "The Bartol Mag-Probe" for over twenty years. Bartol Research's Mag-Probe now has a global reach and is dramatically reducing trouble shooting downtime anywhere a solenoid valve. relay, or contactor is used. F111 Air Force Projects - European Flight Competition January 1968 Bob attended electronics school in the Air Force. Upon graduation he was assigned to a fighter wing in Germany. During his assignment he prepared seven aircraft for European competition. The fighter wings aircraft won the competition. Bob then returned to the United States and taught advanced radar for two years. Two years later, he returned to Europe. During this assignment, Air Force headquarters Europe selected Bob to open a Precision Measuring Equipment Laboratory (P.M.E.L) in England. It was the first of its kind in the Air Force. Upon his return to the United States, Air Force headquarters assigned Bob to Air Force research command in Florida. This was strictly a scientific assignment for research and development. After three years he moved from Eglin AFB in Florida to Edwards Air Force Base in California where he had direct contact with the National Bureau of Standards and supported research and development aircraft. During this assignment, he designed a modification for the TF X fighter (F-111). This modification made possible an additional 9800 flying hours per year. The F111 was the first swing wing aircraft in history. General Dynamics completed the modification prior to acceptance by the U.S. Air Force. Modification of F111 Aircraft General Dynamics March 1968 As a result of increasing this flying time Bob Received an award from Edwards Air Force Base for Increasing flying time of the F111 by 9,800 hours per year. The Award was Presented by Colonel Grumbles to TSGT Bob Bartol on June 17, 1968